THE-ICE: who we are and what we do

The-ICE is dedicated to the recognition, benchmarking, development and promotion of quality programmes in tourism, hospitality, events and culinary arts (TH&E) education, training and research.

Initially established in 2004 as an Australian government funded international centre of excellence, THE-ICE is now an independent not-for-profit organisation with members from fifteen countries, comprising of vocational colleges, private hotel schools, higher education institutions and research universities. It is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), a global body that recognises major national accreditation and well-established professional accredication bodies.

All Accredited Members meet THE-ICE Standards of Excellence and attain their status through the completion of a rigorous assessment process.

the submission of a self-reflective application

document-evaluation

a site audit by appropriately qualified auditors

and a peer review by THE-ICE Board of Directors

Accredited Member institutions also enjoy the benefit of ongoing quality assurance initiatives and support through their participation in THE-ICE’s annual student satisfaction surveys and benchmarking, the Benchmarking Roundtable Series workshops, and the International Panel of Experts Forum which provides a platform for knowledge-sharing and networking. THE-ICE also monitors any programme changes to ensure they align with the accreditation granted, and can provide input into internal programme reviews.

With the needs and expectations of students being as distinct as the students themselves are, THE-ICE is in the unique position through its global membership network to be able to offer a diverse range of study levels and options.

Prospective students, their parents and careers counsellors need to be sure that a programme can deliver the graduate outcomes and quality of education experience promised. Making the right decision is easier when you know that the institution’s programmes have been benchmarked against best-practice, and are therefore well regarded by the industry and future employers.

THE-ICE is committed to assisting future TH&E professionals to make informed education choices and so offers the ‘best-fit’ search function on THE-ICE website – where future students can identify the ‘best-fit’ between the type of TH&E education experience that they are looking for and the available programmes, reputable institutions and countries that offer them.